Dodge gave the Durango a huge make over including a completely reworked interior and exterior, an improved chassis, the more efficient and powerful Pentastar V-6 and standard safety equipment that contributed to the Durango's "Good" performance in all frontal, side and rear collision tests. The Durango also passed the IIHS' recently updated roof strength test and is able to support 4.67 times its curb weight of 5,059 pounds.

Electronic Stability Control is a requirement for all Top Safety Picks and the Durango features a highly advanced system with three settings depending on the terrain and cargo situation. The Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) system will apply brakes to avoid rollovers, Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Trailer-sway Control (TSC), which helps improve stability while towing. In addition, the Durango is available with 44 safety features including blind spot monitoring, active head restraints, and curtain air bags that extend to all three rows of seats.

The Durango is Chrysler’s eighth product to make the IIHS Top Safety Pick list. It now joins the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which took the honor earlier this year. It also joins a long list of competitors in the midsize SUV category including the Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, and Hyundai Santa Fe.